AGO Music Theory & Sight-Reading

Question 1

What is the key signature of A major?

Accepted Answer

3 sharps

Answer

The key signature of A major contains three sharps. These sharps are F#, C#, and G#. This specific combination of sharps is necessary to maintain the correct intervallic structure of the A major scale, ensuring that the half steps and whole steps fall in their appropriate places according to the major scale formula.

Question 2

What does the time signature 6/8 indicate?

Accepted Answer

6 eighth notes per measure

Answer

The time signature 6/8 indicates that there are six eighth notes per measure. The top number '6' specifies the number of beats or subdivisions, and the bottom number '8' indicates that an eighth note receives one beat or count. In compound meters like 6/8, these six eighth notes are typically grouped into two main beats, with each beat subdivided into three eighth notes, giving it a flowing, often dance-like feel.

Question 3

Which chord is the dominant in the key of C major?

Accepted Answer

G major

Answer

In the key of C major, the dominant chord is G major. The dominant chord is built on the fifth scale degree of a major or minor key. Counting five notes up from C (C-D-E-F-G) identifies G as the fifth scale degree, and the chord built on G in the key of C major is G major. This chord creates a strong harmonic tension that typically resolves to the tonic (C major).

Question 4

Which clef is used for sight-reading pedal lines in organ music?

Accepted Answer

Bass clef

Answer

The bass clef is universally used for sight-reading pedal lines in organ music. Organ scores typically feature three staves: two for the manual (hand) parts and one for the pedal (foot) part. Since the pedal division plays the lowest notes on the organ, the bass clef, also known as the F clef, is the appropriate notation for these lower pitches, making them easy to read and interpret.

Question 5

What is an interval of a perfect fifth above C?

Accepted Answer

G

Answer

An interval of a perfect fifth above C is G. To find a perfect fifth, you count five scale degrees up from the starting note, including the starting note itself. In the C major scale (C-D-E-F-G), the fifth note is G. This interval is considered 'perfect' due to its highly consonant sound and its fundamental role in Western harmony.

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test

AGO Music Theory & Sight-Reading